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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Kansas

Commercial Pilots in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $110,860, which is notably below the national average of $144,150. This disparity can often be attributed to the specific economic drivers and demand within the state's aviation sector, which may differ from national trends. Factors such as the types of airlines operating in Kansas and the volume of air traffic influence the compensation structure for these vital professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $110,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $171,100.
  • Outlook: The Kansas market for Commercial Pilots, with a total workforce of 730, indicates a moderate but established presence. The Location Quotient of 1.52 suggests that Commercial Pilots are more concentrated in Kansas than the national average, implying a steady demand for their skills within the state's specific aviation ecosystem. This concentration points to a robust job market that, while not as large as national hubs, offers consistent opportunities for skilled aviators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$110,860

The average Commercial Pilots in Kansas earns-23.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$53.3

Weekly

$2,132

Monthly

$9,238

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Kansas

Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Kansas, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced ratings, and command experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this career trajectory, with senior pilots often earning well into the upper percentiles, showcasing substantial earning potential as their careers advance.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,170$21.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$83,145$40
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$103,400$49.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$138,575$66.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$171,100$82.3

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$110,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$126,408

Adjusted for COL (87.7)

The average annual salary of $110,860 for Commercial Pilots in Kansas presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 87.7. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a greater purchasing power within Kansas than it might in a higher cost-of-living region. This suggests that the take-home pay can support a comfortable lifestyle relative to the local economic environment.

Job Market Context

730

Total Jobs

0.512

Per 1K Jobs

1.52

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kansas has 1.5x the national concentration of Commercial Pilots jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.52, Commercial Pilots are 52% more concentrated in Kansas than the national average. This indicates a specialized and relatively robust market for these professionals within the state. While the total workforce size is modest, the higher concentration suggests that employers in Kansas actively seek and retain Commercial Pilots, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for those with the requisite qualifications and experience.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots

CitySalaryDist.
Wichita, KS Commercial Pilots Salary$114,190 3%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Kansas?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Kansas is $110,860. This typically ranges from $45,170 for entry-level positions to $171,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas is 23.1% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Kansas a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.Kansas offers a solid average salary of $110,860 for Commercial Pilots, which is advantageous given its lower-than-average cost of living. However, this figure is below the national average, indicating that while lucrative locally, it may not match top-tier national compensation.

Is Kansas a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

With a Cost of Living Index of 87.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita, KS ($114,190) and others.

What is the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in Kansas?

The average annual salary for a Commercial Pilot in Kansas is $110,860.

How does the Kansas salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Kansas ($110,860) is lower than the national average for Commercial Pilots, which stands at $144,150.

Is the job market for Commercial Pilots strong in Kansas?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.52, Commercial Pilots are more concentrated in Kansas than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand within the state.

How does the cost of living in Kansas affect pilot salaries?

Kansas has a Cost of Living Index of 87.7, which is below the national average. This means the $110,860 salary offers good purchasing power locally, making it more advantageous than it might appear when compared solely to the national salary figure.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 0.512 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.